Spirituality and a connection with the natural and supernatural world are innately personal. Many spiritual and neo-pagan traditions and practitioners have quite easily aligned with more intimate groups or solitary practices. In some circumstances the size of the group is dictated by a desire to adhere to perceived historical tradition. Sometimes group size is established by a desire to be more protected in one’s beliefs. Other times, such practices might come from necessity; not having a community close by or not knowing where to find one. For many this is a very fulfilling path and should be rightly respected for its ability to bring one in tune with their personal energies. For some, however, there is something missing.

For many who were maybe raised in traditional religious settings, the greatest loss was the sense of community and connection. Even for those who never experienced such a setting, there is often a sense of aloneness. Quite often, it is easy to feel the weight of the world and the universe in everyday matters, as well as matters of the spirit, when there isn’t support from a community.

A larger community won’t be for everyone, but it is our firm belief that the times we have weathered in the last few years and the future we look towards, cry out for community building and healing. We have seen the devastating effects of people being isolated and pushed apart. We’ve seen the demoralizing and heartbreaking realities of peoples feeling segregated or excluded as well as subjugated and abused. Strength both external and internal can come in numbers.

Because of the very personal nature of spiritual experience and the lack of strict structure and dogma within spiritual and neo-pagan circles, it is sometimes hard to build cohesion in larger groups. We solemnly hope and pray that the structures we are consistently building will help support all people on their individual journeys while bringing together a strong community. Many in the Victorian period started to look backward to the ancient religions of the Mediterranean. The Greek and ancient Mediterranean traditions offer much in the way of inspiration in this cause. Each household had its religious beliefs and practices, but they also honored the greater community. We hope you will be inspired to bring your household and personal traditions to share with our community, while being a respected member of a greater family.

Quite a bit of the writing on this website will speak more deeply to this question. For now, let us just give a brief overview. Many neo-pagan groups identify with a practice that is rooted almost exclusively in nature. Although we are the first to say that that connection is so incredibly important in our lives, we also must recognize that many of us live in a modern world where we must also learn to connect with the forces and energies of our homes in the city as well as the technology and science of our time. We can actually do this in the context of this period.

The Victorian period was much like our own. Although science and technology were driving the industrial revolution and more and more people were leaving the countryside for homes closer to the new industrial centers, there was a growing awareness of metaphysics as well as a renewed interest in even more ancient spiritual practice from places like Egypt and Greece.

Much writing and true scholarship was done during this time period along with groups of people aligning to form some of the foundational organizations that have defined the metaphysical and occult communities since. Groups such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and religious movements like Theosophy started to introduce people to not only ancient practices, but also provide their own teachings and insights. It was also during this period that we see information being more widely available to a greater public.

Although many groups speak to a Goddess centered practice, it wasn’t until this period when women started to come into their own as individuals in many of these traditions. Up until this point, few mainstream religions acknowledged a place within the church for women, and those women who still practiced the “old ways” were relegated to the shadows of their communities for fear of reprisal not only as a spiritual practitioner, but as a person without a voice. The first wave of feminism would lay the foundation for future generations to build on.

Finally, on a purely aesthetic note, we find the Victorian period to be ripe with imagery, symbology and energy that can evoke everything from cozy and inviting, romantic, dark and brooding, or even full of intrigue. The nostalgic flavor of the era is a wonderful setting to step outside of our own time, allowing ourselves the freedom to be creative and open inside to the experiences of the greater cosmic realities. Come join us for one of our Victorian high teas, and you will immediately feel that energy for yourself.